Wife's ex-husband did pay bills and now on her credit report

[Rolltide]

Before joining the Army my wife was previously married. Her husband at the time was living in their apartment and we were stationed in Germany. During the divorce the ex husband abandoned the apartment and didn't pay any of the bills. She recently checked her credit report and noticed that an electricity bill was past due from 5 years ago. I guess my question is - can we force him to pay the bill? She was unaware that the apartment had been abandoned, so I'm concerned that more things will show up on her credit report due to his negligence

 

[Proserpina]

While Ohio isn't a "community property" state, certain debts are automatically deemed "shared". This includes utilities.

So, if they can't get money of him they're going to come after her.

If it wasn't considered during the divorce action, legally the bill is shared by both. That means she needs to first settle the bill, and then try to be reimbursed.

What dollar figure are we talking about?

 

[Proserpina]

Even worse - after re-reading that this happened (or rather, didn't happen) over 5 years ago it's virtually guaranteed that he won't be made to pay.

 

[Betty3]

I'm concerned that more things will show up on her credit report due to his negligence

It's possible. There is no way for us to know.

 

[army judge]

Of course this is the story she tells today.

I bet the ex-hubby would also tell a rather contrived story, too.

Someone always says they were innocent.

Many call it the "SODDI" (some other dude did it) defense.